Create your perfect electronics test bench: mid-range to high-end

The types of equipment in the perfect test bench don’t really change with the level of work, but their performance and features should

By Rudy Ramos, Mouser Electronics

As we discussed in the earlier
article on entry-level test benches, there are key pieces of equipment that every
test bench should have regardless of level. What’s different about mid-level
and top-end test benches is not so much the type of equipment but the
performance levels required. It may also be that combination instruments
suitable for one level may need dedicated devices at a higher level.

Any electronics test bench should
include:

Multimeters (sometimes called a volt-ohm-milliammeter,
or VOM)

Power supplies

Soldering stations

Oscilloscopes

Accessories, including hand tools
and supplies

If you’re an educator, electronics
maintenance and repair professional, or a more advanced hobbyist or student, you’ll
need a fairly sophisticated test bench. You’ll want multiple inputs and
outputs, high-power/-wattage supplies, a range of measurement features, and
gear that’s both easy to set up and use. The equipment also should be sufficiently
robust so that it can cater to your more demanding measurement requirements.
You may also need specially tailored test
equipment for the technology you’re working on.

Here are recommendations for mid-level
test bench equipment:

Mid-range multimetersA mid-range bench multimeter will
typically offer higher resolution and be able to display more digits than your
basic unit. A handheld three-digit meter may be fine for basic hobby work, but
the more serious test bench should have a bench unit sporting five or more
digits. The multimeter should also be able to measure things like period,
frequency, statistics, and histograms. Remember, too, to calibrate your
mid-range multimeter at least once a year to maintain its accuracy.

Mid-range power suppliesThink about the kinds of tests you’ll
be performing as you choose your power supply. Will you need constant voltage
and current, variable voltage and current, or both? Do you need to be able to set your power supply’s output manually? Do
you require a low-noise linear power supply for things like control circuit
testing, data acquisition, and signal
processing? Do you need an uninterruptible power
supply (UPS)? Do you need two discrete power supplies so that you can run both high-current/high-voltage and
low-current/low-voltage tests?

Mid-range soldering stationsBasic soldering stations typically
have a stand, power supply, pencil iron, and sponge. Mid-range soldering
stations typically deliver better performance and are more efficient than their
entry-level counterparts and may offer features such as temperature control and
configurable pencils. Additional features may include a graphic display, fume
extractor, heating plates, solder pencil recognition, automatic standby, and
even the possibility to upgrade the station’s firmware. Have a look at the Apex Tool Group’s Weller WT1 and WT1H
soldering stations if you’re after something
mid-range.

Mid-range oscilloscopesMid-range oscilloscopes differ most
from basic models in their bandwidth and rise time (edge speeds). A basic
oscilloscope will typically offer no more than 100-MHz bandwidth, whereas a
mid-range product will go up to 500 MHz. The increased rise-time capability
helps you more accurately measure pulses and steps in things like timing
signals.

Mid-range accessoriesTo complement the equipment above,
think about adding some accessories to your test bench. Consider an extractor
for solder fumes, which uses activated
carbon filtration or a HEPA filter. Ring magnifier lamps are also extremely
useful, making small components easier to see and solder, reducing eye fatigue.
A vise is another highly recommended accessory to have. It allows you to hold
things in place while you work on them, thereby freeing your hands.

Delve
deep into the design of your circuits and analyze
elusive electrical signals with a high-end oscilloscope.

For those working at the top end of
electronics design, such as certified electronics professionals or anyone
needing to guarantee their repair work or needing to comply with standards, a
top-end test bench is a must-have. While this level of test bench still needs
the same basic functionality as the others, much of that equipment will be specialized and will need frequent calibration.

For instance, unlike mid-range
equipment, which typically packs in lots of features, top-end test bench
equipment usually has fewer features in each piece. Instead, the equipment
offers the highest levels of precision and is
targeted at specific use cases.

In summaryRegardless of whether you’re an
electronics enthusiast just starting to tinker with
circuit design or a professional engineer creating the circuits for
state-of-the-art applications, your testing will deliver the best results (and
experiences) if the equipment you’re using is
aligned with your needs.

Every test bench should include a
multimeter, power supply, soldering station, accessories, and possibly an
oscilloscope. Entry-level equipment is the most affordable but is typically
less capable and offers fewer features than mid-range versions. And at the top
end of the spectrum is electronics test equipment that tends to have fewer features but is highly specialized and precise.

To
make the best choices, think about what you need the test equipment for, what
your budget is, and how your requirements may change over time.
Then
get to work assembling your perfect test bench.